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“What?” Kelly screams. “I can't get off this ship. I can't even walk.”

“I'll help you, babe,” I say. Kelly squeezes my hand so tight that I feel it going numb. I smile, trying my best not to pull away.

“We have to get out of here now. Karissa, did you get everything?” Mary asks.

“I think I did,” answers Karissa, holding up two large, clear garbage bags completely filled.

“Chris, help her carry those to the 4th floor. Double or triple bag them so they don’t rip,” Mary says, then points to Sara. “Sara, help Tyler carry Kelly to the 4th floor. I'll bring the medical bag.” I do what Mary says and pick up Kelly. She groans again, and I wish there were more I could do to help. Luckily, we are going down the stairs, not up.

When we reach the 4th floor, it's dark and cold. Stepping outside, I set Kelly down. The wind is howling, and the broken lifeboat sways. Out on the open ocean, the bright orange glow reflects off the rough seas. The fire on the top deck burns more fiercely than ever, completely engulfing the ship. In every direction, there is nothing visible for miles except black smoke.

“Where are Xander and Theo?” asks Chris, standing to the side with Karissa and holding one of the bags.

“They’ll come; give them time,” Mary screams as the wind whips around us.

“Oh my god, this baby is gonna–” Kelly gasps and grips my shoulder tight, her fingers digging into my skin. I bite back a wince.

She pants for a few seconds, then tries again. “This hurts so much,” she groans as she breathes rapidly. She squats down as if she is trying to bear down.

“Babe, what are you doing?”

“No, Kelly, don't push yet,” screams Mary.

Suddenly, Theo and Xander come running out the door, out of breath, and drop the raft on the deck in front of us.

“The wind is blowing in the opposite direction,” says Theo, staring up at the smoke-filled sky.

“What do we do now?” Xander asks, and we all gaze at the open ocean before looking down the side of the deck, which is easily forty feet below.

“Jump. We have to jump,” says Mary.

“What? How? What about the baby?” I ask.

“We need to pray that everything goes well. We can't stay on the ship; it might burn through, and we'll die from smoke inhalation.”

“Can't we just wait it out? Surely rescue will see this fire,” shouts Xander, his voice cracking in fear, looking down at the water. As he speaks, burning debris from the top deck cracks off and plummets into the water. Bits of burning material catch the wind and fall onto the 4th floor, just feet away.

“We’ve been out here for months, Xander. No one’s coming, not now,” says Theo, his shoulders drop, and he turns to look at me. Was rescue ever coming? Kelly squeezes my hand, pulling me from my thoughts.

“I don't want to chance it,” shouts Chris.

“Well, I don't want my baby to die,” Kelly cries.

“We’ll jump together, I’ve got you. But we’ve got to go now,” I say.

The fire intensifies and burns brighter as the wind blows, scattering more debris that lights up the night sky.

“Okay, we will do it together. I love you so much,” Kelly whispers in my ear.

“I love you more, babe,” I say, kissing her. She screams in pain, clutching her stomach, and that’s when I know we have to do it sooner rather than later.

“Well, if we're doing it, let's do it before this baby comes out,” shouts Kelly.

Xander is the first to jump, followed by Karissa. Together, they inflate the survival raft. Once they climb in, shivering from the cold water, Chris throws the bags of clothing and blankets. Xander and Karissa quickly pull the bags into the raft. Sara, Chris and Mary are next, jumping together after counting down. Kelly and I are next. Before we jump, Theo stops us.

“I’m sorry we are in this situation. In case I don't make it–”

“No, Theo. We are going to make it.”